Tennessee might be landlocked, but that hasn’t stopped some truly talented restaurateurs from bringing coastal flavors straight to the Volunteer State. From Memphis to Knoxville, small towns to big cities, you’ll find oyster bars slinging fresh bivalves with the same care and creativity you’d expect from a Gulf Coast or New England establishment.
Whether you’re craving them raw on the half shell or dressed up with creative toppings, these eight spots prove you don’t need an ocean view to enjoy world-class oysters.
1. The Cove — Memphis
Walk into The Cove on Broad Avenue and you might wonder if you accidentally stumbled into a coastal hideaway instead of a Memphis neighborhood bar. The vibe here is refreshingly unpretentious, with just enough nautical touches to remind you that seafood is the star without feeling like a theme restaurant gone overboard.
Fresh oysters arrive on ice looking picture-perfect, ready to be paired with one of the bar’s well-crafted cocktails. The bartenders know their stuff, mixing drinks that complement rather than compete with the briny sweetness of a good oyster…